Heading into the 2018-19 season, Rittich has a strong chance to win the backup job as the primary backup to Mike Smith in Calgary. While American prospect Jon Gillies figures to compete with Rittich for the No. 2 spot, the Czech-born netminder does have a slight leg up, possessing more NHL experience than his main competitor. A stocky goalie who takes up a lot of real estate in the cage at 6-foot-3, 202 pounds, Rittich appeared in 21 games with the Flames last season, recording a 2.92 GAA and .904 save percentage before an arbiter awarded him a one-year, $800,000 deal this offseason. Whether Rittich spends more of his time with the NHL or AHL team, he's unlikely to get enough starts to warrant much fantasy attention, especially if Mike Smith stays healthy. Read Past Outlooks

$Signed a one-year, $800,000 contract extension with the Flames in July of 2018.

Streak snapped by Stars

GCalgary Flames

December 18, 2018

Rittich made 26 saves in Tuesday's 2-0 loss to the Stars.

ANALYSISRittich had little chance on either goal but still saw his three-game win streak snapped as a result of Tuesday's loss. His record remains a sight for sore eyes at 11-4-1 with a 2.20 GAA and .925 save percentage, and while Rittich currently finds himself entrenched in a timeshare with Mike Smith for Calgary's crease, the 26-year-old's stellar play along with his youth (10 years younger) are the two biggest factors behind why he is Calgary's best option in net moving forward.